The Albion Manor and The Parlour at The Albion is a duplex English Pub and Cocktail Parlour in Lincoln Park at 1480 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614 New Epicurean Small Bites Menu at The Parlour The Albion Manor The Parlour at The Albion Manor, the Cocktail Parlour above the English Pub in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, launched a new epicurean small bites menu on May 11th. The new menu is only offered in The Parlour when it is open for service on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This compact but robust and inventive menu from Chef James Menendez blends well ..read more

 “God led me on a journey to healing. Making me aware of what I was putting in my body as far as food goes, but then the journey deepened. I started to realize it’s not just what I put in my body, it’s what I’m putting in my mind.” Lauren Von Der Pool In a world of competition, it’s refreshing to converse with someone who shows up as their authentic self and is confident in the vessel God chose for them to show up in. Someone who knows there’s no need to compete against anyone because they are perfectly made in God’s eyes. My interview with Lauren Von Der Pool aka The Queen of Green embo ..read more

How exciting to relive Disney classic movies on Broadway! Chicago get ready for Disneys hit Broadway musical Aladdin. Aladdin will be in town from May 17th – May28th 2023. I can’t wait to see all the special effects and the costumes. Did you know that 8,644 Swarovski crystals are used in a single costume?!? For those not familiar with Aladdin it’s based on an Arabic folktale about an Arabian Street Urchin who finds a magic lamp containing a genie. With the genie’s help, Aladdin disguises himself as a wealthy prince and tries to impress the Sultan in order to win the heart of his dau ..read more

One of my favorite events is BACK on May 12th. WhiskyFest presented by Whisky Advocate Magazine is the leading whisky festival in North America. You get to taste whiskies from around the world and learn from the experts. This is your chance to taste from a selection of single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian, and craft-distilled whiskies, all assembled in one Grand Ballroom. High-end rum, cognac, and other spirits will be available as well. Many distillery representatives will be on hand at the pouring booths to explain how their whiskies are made. I ..read more

Wizard-inspired Immersive Potion-Making Experience with Vault Speakeasy & Restaurant Opens in Iconic 10,000 sq ft Chicago The Cauldron Chicago – Photo Cred: Emma McGregor The Cauldron, a name that brings fantasy to life in food & beverage spaces around the world, is opening its third location in the United States on Division Street in Wicker Park on April 29th. I took a sneak peak tour of the space and a potion making class with the owners. You’re in for a treat! Potion Making Class The Grand Opening is set for May 4th, 2023. In addition to the Grand Opening, The Cauldron Chicago w ..read more

Chicagoans, and travelers alike, put your tray tables in the upright and locked position because Chicago Gourmet takes flight in 2023   Pack your bags, Chicago!  The wine is topped off.  The beer is chilled.  And our wanderlust shows no signs of stopping. From September 21-24, 2023, Chicago Gourmet, one of the nation’s most distinguished food festivals, sets it sights on destinations unknown. Founding sponsor Illinois Restaurant Association, together with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, are celebrating all things food + travel this year dubbing the ..read more

7th Annual Chicago Rum Festival Returns with a Focus on EducationApril 22, 2023 at Logan Square Auditorium  The 7th Annual Chicago Rum Fest is back and better than ever, bringing together rum lovers and trade professionals from all over the country on April 22, 2023, at Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647). This year’s event promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring premium rum expressions poured, speaker programing, entertainment, and more. The USA is considered one of the most important countries in the entire rum industry. Before the American Revo ..read more

This morning, the 2023 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef nominees were announced. Check out the Chicago nominees below. Best New Restaurant  Obélix, Chicago, IL Emerging Chef Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Mineral Water Damarr Brown, Virtue, Chicago, IL Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines  Sepia, Chicago, IL Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH) Diana Dávila, Mi Tocaya Antojería, Chicago, IL Tom Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama, Chicago, IL Good Luck Chicago Restaurants and Chefs! The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to c ..read more

I absolutely love multiple course meals and tasting menus! There’s an element of excitement as you anticipate each course and guess which components will be paired together next. Chicago doesn’t have a shortage of restaurants to get your “course” fix. Check out four of the unique dining experiences I’ve had the pleasure of attending. Enjoy! Valhalla 916 W Fulton Market (Inside Timeout Market Chicago) Cost $185/ 11 Courses Valhalla Valhalla is an innovative fine dining concept located on the 2nd floor of Timeout Market Chicago. The menu features inventive dishes by award winning Chef Ste ..read more

The National Restaurant Association Show returns to McCormick Place in Chicago, May 20th – 23rd. The Show is the largest annual gathering in the western hemisphere where over 35,000 decision-making operators, dealers and distributors representing the commercial chain, commercial independent, non-commercial, retail and lodging segments gather to find the latest innovations in food, beverage, equipment, supplies and more. The trade only events allows the food service industry to discover exciting new products, meet quality suppliers, learn from experts, and make invaluable networking connections ..read more